JP2006527992A - A device that allows the dissipation of steam - Google Patents

Abstract

[PROBLEMS] To be adaptable to existing heater equipment, tolerate over a long period of time at a heater temperature exceeding 130 ° C., and to withstand long-term contact with an organic solvent, so that it does not stretch, warp or creep. Provide a diffusion device.
An apparatus that allows a chemical composition to evaporate into an atmosphere, the apparatus being in constant contact with the chemical composition and means (6) for containing the chemical composition. A core means (4) and a core support means (1, 5) for supporting the core means, the core means (4) being moistened by the chemical preparation, and the heating means (10) A device in which the chemical formulation evaporates when contacted or when heat is applied to the core means (4).
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus capable of releasing chemical formulations such as insecticides and fragrances into the surrounding atmosphere. The present invention also relates to an apparatus that can dissipate a chemical composition and can be detachably inserted into an electric heating device for evaporating the chemical composition.

  Numerous patent documents disclose portable devices applicable to herbicides and insecticides, particularly for the purpose of weeding weeds. For example, a portable herbicide and insecticide applicator disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,309,842 includes a tube 12 that acts as a handle, with a pair of hollow ends at one end of the handle. Rake-like parts are joined. The rake-like part, together with the handle 12, forms a liquid reservoir conduit for pesticides and herbicides, and an absorbent rope mop extends between the ends of the rake-like part. Saturate with liquid pesticides and pesticides. Then, the user drags the device on the weeds, brings the saturated rope mop into contact with the weeds, and eventually kills the weeds.

  Other devices include a nebulizer device that includes a reservoir and uses an electric motor as disclosed, for example, in US Pat. No. 6,109,548. This nebulizer device reduces the need to manually create pressure inside a portable spray unit. Users use a valve stem inside the reservoir to connect the reservoir to a conventional air tank so that a large amount of high-pressure air is pumped directly into the reservoir, allowing manual and electric pumps to be used. There is no need to use it. When the air pressure inside the reservoir falls below a predetermined level, the power switch is closed and the air compressor is operated by the electric motor. If the electric pump breaks down or the battery connected to the electric motor is exhausted, use a manual pump.

  In another apparatus, the liquid is atomized as disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,356,528. In the invention disclosed by this patent, liquid components are electrostatically sprayed, particularly on the leaves of plants, by supplying liquid to the spray orifice, preferably of capillary dimensions. The atomizing orifice is preferably a charged surface made of a conductor or semiconductor and is located near the field-enhancing electrode so that the liquid is drawn mainly by electrostatic forces, atomized and becomes charged particles, beyond the electrode. Released. Thus, the particles surround the leaves of the plant and coat both the upper and lower sides of the leaves.

  None of the above-described prior art devices provides a substantially low cost device that can release chemical formulations into the surrounding atmosphere, especially for personal insect repellent purposes, or indoor chemistry. There is no portable small device that periodically disperses or evaporates the formulation. The device provided by the present invention is in the form of a cartridge, for example, and is fitted into a recess provided in a portable device that periodically releases such chemical formulations. Once all chemical formulations have been released, the device is refilled or replaced. A need for such equipment that has low substantial operating costs and is battery or utility powered and does not require battery replacement or new or refilled reservoirs of chemical formulations over a significant period of time. Exists.

The present invention has substantial advantages over the applicator and nebulizer devices described above and conventional aerosol nebulizers, since the user does not need to physically operate the device and depends on the power source. However, the device is installed in the area as a portable unit or as a fixed unit and automatically releases chemical formulation vapors into the ambient atmosphere.
Some patents disclose the use of cartridges that incorporate a wick that is always in contact with the chemical formulation and that can be inserted into the heater unit. Examples of these are US Pat. No. 5,903,710, US Pat. No. 5,976,503, and US Pat. No. 6,123,935. However, in all these patents, the conductor is in direct contact with the heating element, which has the disadvantage that the conductor is worn excessively, which necessitates replacement of the conductor, and therefore After many uses, the entire unit must be replaced. Furthermore, in US Pat. No. 6,123,935, there is no clear opening for the vaporized chemical formulation to be guided through the atmosphere. Since the end piece of the lead is exposed to the atmosphere, the vapor escapes from it and the chemical composition is excessively consumed.

  In US Pat. No. 5,945,094, a wick in contact with a chemical formulation is not directly in contact with a heater, but a wick and a cartridge are required separately. There is an inconvenience and it is necessary to remove the impermeable membrane before use and expose the wet core area to the atmosphere. Furthermore, it is not designed to fit into the existing range of heater devices in a detachable manner.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,309,842 US Pat. No. 6,109,548 U.S. Pat.No. 4,356,528 US Pat. No. 5,903,710 US Pat. No. 5,976,503 US Pat. No. 6,123,935 US Pat. No. 5,945,094

The problem to be solved by the present invention is that it can be adapted to existing heater equipment, can withstand a long period of time at a heater temperature exceeding 130 ° C., can withstand long contact with organic solvents, and stretches, warps or creeps. It is to provide a diffusion device that does not deform.
According to a further embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus made from a material that is a rigid layered but flexible structure and is detachably adapted to a wide range of existing heater devices. Is done. The present invention also provides the benefit of transferring heat through a portion of the layered structure for transferring heat to the conductor. By adapting to existing heater devices, the present invention does not require the user to purchase a complete new product incorporating the heater unit, providing the user with an inexpensive option.

An apparatus provided by the first aspect of the invention that allows a chemical formulation to evaporate into an atmosphere,
Means for containing the chemical formulation;
Wicking means in constant contact with the chemical formulation;
A core support means for supporting the core means and having an opening,
The lead means is disposed inside the lead support means,
Means for disposing the core support means so that the opening provided in the core support means is aligned with the heating means, and
The core means is moistened by the chemical composition and when contacted with the heating means, the chemical composition evaporates through an opening provided in the core support means.
It is characterized by that.

  Preferably, the lead support means includes a first portion and a second portion that can be fixed to the first portion. The lead means is disposed between the first portion and the second portion of the lead support means. An opening is disposed in the first portion of the lead support means. Preferably, alignment means is provided for aligning each of the first part and the second part of the core support means and aligning the first part of the core support means with respect to the heating means. . Desirably, a storage means is arrange | positioned in the 2nd part or 1st part in a core support means.

Desirably, the core means is substantially elongated, the first part is always in contact with the chemical formulation and the second part is in contact with the heating means. Desirably, the heating means evaporates the chemical composition in the vicinity of the second portion of the lead means and passes through the opening provided in the first portion of the lead support means. Desirably, the heating means is a microheater element, in particular an impedance means such as a resistor.
Preferably, the second part of the core support means comprises an opening aligned with the heating means, and the chemical formulation is evaporated into the atmosphere through the opening provided in the second part of the core support means. Let
Preferably, one or more pulses are applied repeatedly to the heating means to obtain heat for evaporating the chemical formulation.
Desirably, the wicking means is the chemical formulation so that the second portion of the wicking means is moistened after the chemical formulation has evaporated and dried within the cycle of pulses applied to the heating means. Resistant to chemical flow from the storage means.
Desirably, the apparatus is adapted to be received by a portable device having heating means, and the heating means is powered from a portable power source such as a battery. Alternatively, the apparatus may be adapted to be received by equipment having heating means, and the heating means may be supplied with power from a fixed power source such as a commercial power source.
Desirably, the alignment means is a pair of recesses provided one on each side of the lead support means, and is fitted into the protrusions provided to correspond to the device, and is thus fitted. Thus, the user can know that the device is correctly arranged with respect to the device. Preferably, tactile instructions may be provided to indicate that the device is correctly positioned. Instead of this, the alignment means is a pair of protrusions provided one on each side of the core support means, and is fitted into the recesses provided to correspond to the equipment. By doing so, the user may be able to know that the apparatus is correctly arranged with respect to the device.

An apparatus provided by the second aspect of the present invention that allows a chemical formulation to evaporate into an atmosphere,
Means for containing the chemical formulation;
Wicking means in constant contact with the chemical formulation;
A core support means that supports the core means and contacts the core means, and has an opening.
The core means is moistened by the chemical composition, and when the heat from the heating means acts on the core support means, the wet core means is indirectly heated, thereby leading to the exposed portion of the core means. Evaporate the chemical composition into the atmosphere through the opening provided in the wick support means,
The apparatus is further characterized in that it can be detachably inserted into a heater unit having heating means.
Desirably, the exposed part in the core means is one end or one edge of the core means.

An apparatus provided by the third aspect of the present invention that allows a chemical formulation to evaporate into the atmosphere, such an apparatus that can be removably inserted into a heater unit,
Means for containing the chemical formulation;
A core means for contacting the chemical formulation;
A housing that surrounds a portion of the core means and is adapted to engage the device and hold it in the heater unit, the heater unit comprising the heating means;
A core support means that contacts the core means, the core support means being in proximity to the heating means when the device is inserted into the heater unit;
The core means is wet with the chemical formulation and is indirectly heated by the core support means to evaporate the chemical formulation into the atmosphere through the opening in the housing.
It is characterized by that.

An apparatus provided by the fourth aspect of the invention that allows a chemical formulation to evaporate into an atmosphere,
A substrate,
Means for containing the chemical formulation;
A core means for contacting the chemical formulation;
A housing surrounding a portion of the core means,
The core means, the housing and the storage means are in contact with the substrate, the core means extending between the housing and the storage means;
The apparatus can be detachably inserted into a heater unit having a heating means, and the substrate is heated by the heating means, and then the core means moistened with the chemical composition is heated. Evaporate the chemical formulation into the atmosphere through the opening in the housing,
It is characterized by that.

Provided by the fifth aspect of the invention is a method for making a device that allows a chemical formulation to evaporate into an atmosphere,
Forming a substrate comprising a first layer made of a first material;
Forming a storage means for the chemical formulation from the second material;
Forming a housing made of a second material;
Arranging the core means on the substrate;
The storage means and the housing are joined to the substrate, and the core means extends into the storage means, part of which is surrounded by the housing, and is accessible to the chemical formulation.
It is characterized by that.

An apparatus provided by the sixth aspect of the present invention that allows a chemical formulation to evaporate into an atmosphere,
Means for containing the chemical formulation;
A core means for contacting the chemical formulation;
A core support means that is in contact with the core means and provided near the heating means;
If the chemical composition does not directly contact the core means due to the orientation of the heating means, the chemical composition moves along the side of the storage means by capillary action and contacts the storage means. The chemical composition reaches the core means, and moistens the core means;
Indirectly heating the core means by the core support means to evaporate the chemical composition into the atmosphere;
It is characterized by having.

An apparatus provided by the seventh aspect of the present invention that allows a chemical formulation to evaporate into an atmosphere,
Means for containing the chemical formulation;
A core means for contacting the chemical formulation;
A core support means that is in contact with the core means and provided near the heating means;
The core means extends along the junction between the storage means and the core support means, and the chemical preparation moves along the core means by capillary action and is heated indirectly by the core support means. The chemical composition reaches the area in the core means being conducted and evaporates the chemical composition into the atmosphere regardless of the orientation of the device;
It is characterized by having.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  Referring to FIG. 1, the device is shown broken down into parts, which can deliver chemical formulations such as insecticides and fragrances to a specific location via a core structure. The apparatus shown in FIG. 1 includes a first part and a second part that can be fixed to each other, but instead of a single part such as a container made by an injection molding process. It should be noted that a core support means having a general structure (integral) may be used. In particular, the first part 1 is substantially flat and is made of a suitable material such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate). The first part 1 comprises a pair of recesses or notches 12, the purpose of which is to position the device correctly, more particularly of the heating means in the form of a microheater element 10 (see FIG. 3). It is to align the opening 13 and the opening 7 directly above. Each notch 12 is designed to interact with a protrusion (or lug) 15 formed to accommodate the housing into which the device is inserted, such that the lug and notch fit together. This can tactilely notify the user that the device is correctly engaged in the corresponding housing.

  The second part or top part 5 is likewise made of PET and preferably has a bulge or depression 6 to form a reservoir for containing the chemical formulation. The part 5 likewise has an opening 7 and a recess or notch 16 and is designed to interact with a corresponding protrusion or lug 17 and is associated with the base part or the first part 1. And fits in the same way as the lug. Both parts 1 and 5 are designed to be joined or sealed together in the part 8 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 by suitable coupling means. Further, the lead 4 shown in FIG. 1 includes a portion disposed inside the main body of the reservoir 6 containing the chemical composition, and an opening 13 and an opening in the first portion 1 and the second portion 5. 7 and a portion positioned between each of them. 2 and 3, the core 4 is in particular one end 18 immersed in the formulation, where the solid-liquid-vapor contact angle for the formulation is the core and air. And a second end portion which is provided with the one end portion 18 so as to completely wet the lead 4 with the preparation and which allows the openings 13 and 7 and the heating means 10 to communicate with each other. 19. The heating means 10 is preferably a micro-heater element such as a surface mount resistor. The lead is preferably a thin, flat absorbent material that can guide the solution of the active ingredient from the reservoir 6 to the microheater element 10. The core has a sufficiently low lateral resistance to fluid flow, and when the area of the core 4 dries near the portion 19 directly above the micro-heater element 10, such area is blended. The time required to get wet again by the object is shorter than the pulse repetition time for the next pulse to reach the microheater element 10. Such a pulse delivery device is disclosed in pending UK patent application 0316381.3 by the applicant. The lead 4 preferably has a sufficiently low transverse resistance to the fluid flow so that the active ingredient retained on the lead 4 causes the lead to follow the timing of the pulses applied to the microheater element 10. It passes through and is diffused as vapor from the upper surface of the conductor 4 through the opening 7. Therefore, the portion 19 in the lead core can be easily wetted, and when applying a single pulse or a series of pulses to the microheater element 10, it needs to be able to release enough vapor into the atmosphere, It is necessary to return to the original state during the time until the next pulse arrives when current is supplied to the micro heater element 10.

  The lead 4 needs to be sufficiently thin so that the top surface of the lead 4 is sufficiently heated by the micro-heater element 10 that contacts the opposite or bottom surface of the lead 4. The core 4 is generally made of a material that can withstand the high temperatures generated by the microheater element 10 without being collapsed or decomposed. Furthermore, the core 4 has sufficient thermal insulation so that a small portion of the core 4 is heated to a high temperature by the thermal energy transferred from the micro-heater element 10 in order to sufficiently evaporate the chemical composition. Made from material with Suitable materials for making the lead core include beef wrapping paper (thickness 80 microns) and tobacco paper (thickness) to achieve sufficiently high efficiency (mg / J) so that the battery life is extended. 30 microns) or dense papers such as silk or cotton dense cloth (thickness of 100 microns or less). The device for supplying pulses to the microheater element 10 receives power from a series of batteries.

  As can be seen from FIG. 3, the openings 13 and 7 are mainly positioned directly above the microheater element 10 and the core 4 in contact with the microheater element 10 is responsible for the active ingredient of the chemical formulation. It is designed to be dissipated into the surrounding atmosphere through openings 13 and 7. As shown, the sealing regions 8 in the upper portion 1 and the lower portion 5 are directly joined together to form an impermeable seal. As a modification, the upper and lower surfaces of the conductor 4 may be bonded to the respective surfaces of the first portion 1 and the second portion 5.

  The container forming the reservoir 6 for the chemical formulation contains a volume of active ingredient of the chemical formulation that will maintain its performance for a suitable duration, preferably 1-2 mm liters. For example, it can last for several weeks to one month. It should be understood that depending on the particular situation, the amount of active ingredient in the chemical formulation can vary. For example, depending on the efficacy and concentration of the active ingredient used, the minimum volume is about 20 microliters. The one end portion 18 of the lead and the substantial part of the lead 4 are actually in contact with the chemical formulation inside the reservoir 6 at any time and in any orientation. The other end portion 19 of the lead 4 is exposed to the atmosphere through the openings 13 and 7, and is heated slightly to dissipate the chemical composition from one or both sides of the lead 4 into the surrounding atmosphere. In contact with the vessel element 10. It should be noted that in the portion 20 of the reservoir 6, the first portion 1 and the second portion 5 are joined, but the conductor 4 can still be projected into the atmosphere. The entire device including the first part 1 and the second part 5 holds the core 4 with sufficient rigidity, and the exposed core part is precisely positioned with respect to the micro-heater element 10. Is done. Regarding the shape factor of the device, it is necessary for the device to engage with the mounting location, that is, the core 4 is correctly positioned with respect to the micro-heater element 10 by fitting the lug and the notch. When the device is correctly engaged, eg, inside each housing, such as a protrusion, the user is given tactile feedback to indicate that the device is correctly fitted. The reservoir 6 is preferably transparent or translucent so that the user can see how much chemical formulation is left and the reservoir 6 can be replaced when empty. The particular reservoir 6 can be refilled or, optionally, an entire device with a new reservoir can be used, which is disclosed in Applicant's pending UK patent application No. 0316381.3. Such as the microheater element 10 and the power management circuit.

  FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the present invention. Like the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3, the conductor 4 is disposed between the portion 1 and the portion 5. Although the apparatus shown in FIG. 4 is not provided with a recess to be fitted to the corresponding protrusion, it is inserted into a receptacle heated by a heating apparatus. The only opening 7 is provided in the second or upper part 5, which is located above the end 19 in the core 4. However, the opening 7 may be provided only in the first portion 1 that is in contact with the end 19 of the conductor 4. The other end 18 of the lead 4 is always in contact with the chemical preparation in the reservoir 6. The lead 4 is moistened by the chemical formulation and passes through the sealing area 21 between the reservoir 6 and the upper part 5, the chemical formulation moves along the lead 4 toward the end 19, By heating the area surrounded by the broken line 22 in the apparatus, the chemical composition is evaporated and diffused from the opening 7 into the surrounding atmosphere. Thus, the reservoir 6 containing the chemical formulation is not heated by a special heating device.

  FIG. 5 shows a further embodiment in which the lead 4 is mounted transversely across the longitudinal axis of the reservoir 6, the top part 5 and the bottom part 1. The edges 23 and 24 in the lead core 4 are mounted flush with the corresponding edges 25 and 26 in the top part 5 (and the bottom part 1), respectively. However, the edges 23 and 24 are left exposed in the atmosphere, while the remaining edges 25 and 26 in the upper part 5 are sealed against the corresponding lower part 1 in the device. Yes. The portion of the core 4 that is external to the reservoir 6 and away from the edges 23 and 24 is sealed so that chemicals can escape from these areas unless it passes through the edges 23 and 24 There is no. Thus, when heat is applied to the area enclosed by the broken line 27, the chemical formulation in the reservoir 6 wets the lead 4 and moves further to the edges 23 and 24, where It evaporates into the atmosphere through the edges 23 and 24.

  In yet another embodiment, the entire lead 4 may be surrounded or surrounded by the chemical formulation in the reservoir, and a boundary or partition may be formed between the reservoir and the lead 4. The lead core 4 is preferably supported by a lead support having such a boundary or partition to keep the lead core substantially rigid. Such supports and partitions are made from a suitable material such as plastic or PET. The lead 4 is prevented from being sealed from the reservoir 6 at one or more points along the partition or boundary. Thus, at such specific locations, the lead 4 is wetted by the chemical formulation. An opening is placed on one or both sides of the device, which is in communication with the lead 4 and when the entire device (region of the lead 4 and the reservoir 6) is heated, the chemical formulation opens. Evaporates through and dissipates into the surrounding atmosphere. One special structure in this embodiment is that the lead is formed in a star shape and the star tip is in contact with the chemical formulation so that the star lead and the chemical formulation reservoir are in contact. Forms a boundary that is substantially circular. In the center of the star, an opening is provided, through which heat is applied to evaporate the chemical formulation.

  Thus, in using the apparatus according to the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, a reservoir filled with a chemical formulation such as insecticide or fragrance is inserted into the opening of the corresponding device. The device is portable or fixed depending on the power supply to the heating means, and when inserted, the notches 12 and 16 and the lugs 15 and 17 are fitted to each other so that tactile feedback is provided to the user. Is obtained. This indicates to the user that the openings 7 and 13 have been correctly aligned directly above the micro-heater element 10 in substantially the same plane. The user can then freely use the device for any particular application, either as a personal device or installed in a room where the chemical formulation is to be evaporated.

  In the use of the device according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 or the device according to the embodiment using a star-shaped conductor, the device is inserted into a receptacle provided with heating means, and various intervals are provided. In the end, the chemical formulation in the reservoir 6 is completely used up.

  6 to 9 show still another embodiment according to the present invention. In particular, the device 30 comprises a reservoir 32 containing a chemical preparation to be evaporated, a housing 34 and support means or substrate 36. The apparatus 30 is adapted to be detachably engageable with the heater unit indicated by reference numeral 38 in FIG. The lead 40 is in contact with the upper layer 42 of the support 36, extends into the housing 34, and projects into the reservoir 32. The pair of depressions 44 and 46 formed as a part of the housing 34 maintain a pressing force with respect to the conductor 40, and maintain a contact state between the support 36 and the layer 42. An opening 48 projects from the upper portion of the housing 34 to dissipate the steam obtained by heating the chemical composition of the wet core 40 into the surrounding atmosphere. In addition, the support 36 includes a lower layer 50.

  The heater unit 38 is installed in a suitable electrical outlet via terminals 52 and 54. When the apparatus or cartridge 30 is fitted into the heater unit 38 after or before being inserted into an electrical outlet to install the heater unit 38, the state shown in FIG. The layer 50 at 36 is in direct contact with the existing heater 56 inside the heater unit 38 or is separated from the heating surface 56 via a small air gap when the heater unit 38 is switched on. The support 36 is heated by convection or by direct contact with the heating plate 56. The lead 40 is wetted by the chemical formulation present in the reservoir 32 by capillary action, and the lead 40 is heated by contact with the support 36, but here the layer 50 is first heated. The layer 42 is heated, after which the conductor is heated. Once a nominal temperature of 130 ° C. or 140 ° C. is reached, the chemical formulation evaporates through opening 48 and through various openings 58, 60, 62 provided in heater unit 38. And dissipated in the atmosphere. As clearly shown in FIG. 9, a flange 64 projects from the lower surface of the element interspersed with the opening 60, and this flange contacts the conductor 40 and the support 36. In order to keep the state, it is designed to apply an extra pressing force to any part of the housing 34. In particular, the flange 64 may contact any portion of the top surface of the housing 34 or is disposed in one of the recesses 44 and 46. This makes it adaptable to apply a pressing force to any cartridge 30 to be inserted, which has various numbers and positions of depressions and openings. This also provides additional inertia to prevent the cartridge from popping out of the heater unit 38.

  In order to make the device 30, a material designed to withstand temperatures exceeding 130 ° C. is selected, it can withstand contact with organic solvents, has sufficient resistance to stretch, warp and creep. It is very sturdy. Furthermore, sufficient elasticity and flexibility are required so that the heater unit can be easily inserted and taken out. The particular material chosen to make the bottom layer 50 in the support 36 is crystalline PET (CPET), which is not normally chosen because of the efficiency of the heat transfer properties. The thin layer 42 that is sealed or adhered to the layer 50 is made of amorphous PET (APET). The reservoir 32 and the housing 34 include depressions 44 and 46 and an opening 48, are pre-molded, and are placed on the lead core 40 that is already disposed on the contact layer 42. The reservoir 32 is then filled with the chemical formulation, and the housing 34 and the reservoir 32, both preferably made of APET, are heat welded to the layer 42, also made of APET. The fact that layer 42, reservoir 32 and housing 34 are all made from the same material facilitates the welding and joining process. An additional APET strip 66 may be heat welded between the reservoir 32 and the housing 34 in a direction across the device 30 as shown in FIG. Seals around the housing 34 and reservoir 32 are joined to the support 36 to provide rigidity to the entire device 30, properly engaging the device with the heater unit 38, and in conjunction with the support 36, the core 40. Provides physical support for A particular advantage of this structure is that the rate of release of the active chemical formulation released from the reservoir 32 through the opening 48 is consistent.

  In order to select a sufficiently strong base support 36 that can withstand temperatures exceeding 130 ° C., withstands contact with organic solvents, and does not stretch, warp or creep. A test was conducted. An additional requirement is that the material must be weldable to other plastic parts, may be inexpensive and commercially available in large quantities. The most convenient thermoplastics, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and polymethylmethacrylate, are very flexible at high temperatures and quite unsuitable. The thermoplastic may deform, melt and / or adhere to the heater. When polycarbonate was tested, it was found that although it is a material that can be thermoformed at high temperatures, the polycarbonate becomes vulnerable to attack by solvents when thermoformed. When the thermoformed part was in contact with the solvent, severe stress cracking occurred.

Other known materials include polyamide material KAPTON (registered trademark by EI Du Pont De Nemours and Company), ULTEM (registered trademark by General Electric Company), and polyether imide material. However, the production price of these materials is too expensive.
A relatively inexpensive material is biaxially oriented APET (bioPET), which first stretches the APET film in one direction (eg, the X axis) and then another direction that is perpendicular to the previous direction. (E.g., Y axis). This strongly aligns the polymer chain and creates a very sturdy high temperature material. Suitable for making oven cooking bags. However, this material can only be obtained as a very thin film, and such grades do not have structural strength. Although we tried to provide a layer of bioPET on a rigid card, it can be said that the resulting material is essentially cardboard coated with plastic, providing the necessary temperature resistance, solvent resistance and weldability. However, the material base was not solid enough. The heated area was twisted and deformed, and the thermoformed upper part was stress deformed.

Among those tested, the most suitable material for layer 50 is CPET, which essentially consists of a nucleating agent, such as crystalline polypropylene, in fine powder form, together with a pigment according to grade. And diffused. The APET layer 42 is then laminated or bonded to one side of the layer 50. The basis for this particular structure is that although the plastic bulk is amorphous and can be easily thermoformed, rapid crystallization occurs during thermoforming due to the nature of the nucleating agent. As a result, the thermoformed part becomes a CPET with excellent mechanical properties. The APET layer 42 can be further bonded or thermally bonded to another APET layer, for example, a layer incorporated in the housing 34 or the reservoir 32, without transformation. The grades of CPET material tested include those of 750 microns.
There are few requirements on the original layer of APET to make reservoir 32 and housing 34 by thermoforming. Since the upper portion including the reservoir 32 and the housing 34 is not in direct contact with the heating plate 56, the temperature used for thermoforming is much lower than the temperature at which the support 36 is used.

  When the amount of chemical formulation remaining in the reservoir 32 is small and the device 30 is oriented in a direction that depends on the orientation of the electrical socket or heater unit 38, the upper shell 70 in the reservoir 32 is directed to the layer 42. Due to the welding, the remaining chemical formulation 68 rises by capillary action. Accordingly, a gap 74 is formed at the junction or edge 72 between the outer shell 70 and the layer 42, and the remaining chemical composition 68 is perpendicular to the plane of FIG. Can climb. For this reason, the substantial advantage that the lead core 40 does not need to protrude completely into the reservoir 32 is obtained. By contacting the top surface 76 of the reservoir 32 in the vicinity where it is bonded to the layer 42, the remaining chemical formulation 68 can reach the end of the lead 40, thus adding additional chemical formulation. Can be evaporated.

  As a variant, the lead 40 extends into the interior of the reservoir 32, in particular in contact with the edge or joint 72, or in another way, preferably along the entire circumference of the joint 72. You may arrange in. This allows capillary action through the lead 40 regardless of the orientation of the device 30 and regardless of the orientation of the heater unit 38 that receives the device 30 even if the amount of chemical formulation in the reservoir 32 is reduced. Can occur.

  Referring to FIG. 9, the support 36 is sufficiently flexible to bend at position 80, fit within the heater unit 38, and be in contact with or in close proximity to the heating mat 56. I understand. As a modification, the apparatus 30 can be easily inserted into or removed from the heater unit 38 even if a step is provided on the support 36 between the reservoir 32 and the housing 34. As a modification, an ascending step or a descending step may be provided inside the heater unit 38 so as to cooperate with the step provided on the support 36.

  The housing 34 in the device 30 is specially formed to fit and hold the heater unit 38. The flange 64 further holds the housing 34 and helps to press the lead 40 against the layer 42. The configuration in which the reservoir 32 of the layer 36 is provided with a step down provides a flexible strip that can be fitted into a wide range of existing heater units.

  The lead is made of a suitable material as described in the first embodiment, and the refill or chemical formulation in the reservoir 32 lasts for 7 to 14 days in a single room. Once the cartridge or device 30 chemicals have been used up, the refill or a new cartridge can be inserted into the heater unit 38 with a simple operation, allowing an additional 7-14 night use. . Note that since the reservoir 32 protrudes from the heater unit 38, the user can easily see how much chemical formulation remains.

FIG. 1 is an exploded schematic view showing components of the apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an engaged state of the apparatus of FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the apparatus of FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing an apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing an apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 6 is a side view showing an apparatus according to a fourth embodiment, adapted to a heater unit. FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 6 with the device removed from the heater unit adapted to engage the device. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which the apparatus of FIG. 6 is fitted into the heater unit. FIG. 9 is a side view showing a state in which the apparatus is fitted in the heater unit of FIG. 8, and shows a part of the heater unit in a cutaway manner. FIG. 10 is an enlarged view showing a joint portion between the outer shell and the substrate in the chemical compound storage means.

Claims (70)

An apparatus that allows a chemical formulation to evaporate into an atmosphere, the apparatus comprising:
Means for containing the chemical formulation;
Wicking means in constant contact with the chemical formulation;
A core support means for supporting the core means and having an opening,
The lead means is disposed inside the lead support means,
Means for disposing the core support means so that the opening provided in the core support means is aligned with the heating means, and
The core means is moistened by the chemical composition and when contacted with the heating means, the chemical composition evaporates through an opening provided in the core support means.
A device characterized by that.   2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lead support means comprises a first part and a second part that can be fixed to the first part.   3. A device according to claim 2, wherein the core means is disposed between the first part and the second part of the core support means.   4. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein an opening is arranged in the first part of the lead support means.   Alignment means for aligning each of the first portion and the second portion of the core support means and aligning the first portion of the core support means with respect to the heating means is provided. The apparatus according to claim 4.   6. A device according to claim 5, characterized in that a storage means is arranged in the second part or the first part of the core support means.   The core means is substantially elongated, the first portion is always in contact with the chemical formulation and the second portion is in contact with the heating means. apparatus.   The heating means evaporates the chemical composition in the vicinity of the second portion of the lead means and passes through an opening provided in the first portion of the lead support means. apparatus.   The second portion of the core support means includes an opening aligned with the heating means, and the chemical preparation is evaporated into the atmosphere through the opening provided in the second portion of the core support means. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that   10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein one or more pulses are repeatedly applied to the heating means to obtain heat for evaporating the chemical composition.   The core means is removed from the chemical formulation storage means so that the second portion of the core means is moistened after the chemical composition has evaporated and dried within the cycle of pulses applied to the heating means. 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the apparatus is resistant to the flow of chemical formulations.   12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the apparatus is adapted to be received by a portable device having a heating means, and the heating means is powered from a portable power source.   12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the apparatus is adapted to be received by a device having a heating means, and the heating means is powered from a commercial power source.   The alignment means is a pair of recesses provided one on each side of the core support means, and is fitted to the protrusions provided to correspond to the equipment, and is thus fitted. 14. The device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the user can know that the device is correctly arranged with respect to the device.   The alignment means is a pair of protrusions provided one on each side of the core support means, and is fitted in a recess provided to correspond to the device, and is thus fitted. 14. A device according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the user can know that the device is correctly arranged with respect to the device. An apparatus that allows a chemical formulation to evaporate into an atmosphere, the apparatus comprising:
Means for containing the chemical formulation;
Wicking means in constant contact with the chemical formulation;
A core support means that supports the core means and contacts the core means, and has an opening.
The core means is moistened by the chemical composition, and when the heat from the heating means acts on the core support means, the wet core means is indirectly heated, thereby leading to the exposed portion of the core means. Evaporate the chemical composition into the atmosphere through the opening provided in the wick support means,
The apparatus is further characterized in that it can be detachably inserted into a heater unit having heating means.   17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the exposed portion of the lead means is one end or one edge of the lead means.   18. A device according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that heat is applied throughout the device to evaporate the chemical formulation.   18. Apparatus according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that heat is applied to the exposed part of the core means in order to evaporate the chemical formulation.   20. The lead support means is composed of a first part and a second part that can be fixed to the first part. Equipment.   21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the core means is disposed between the first portion and the second portion of the core support means.   22. A device according to claim 21, characterized in that a storage means is arranged in the second part of the core support means.   The core means is substantially elongated, the first part is always in contact with the chemical formulation, and the second part is in communication with the opening, so that the first part in the core support means or 23. The device of claim 22, wherein an opening is disposed in any of the second portions.   The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the core means is disposed substantially across the core support means and the storage means.   The lead means is substantially flat and is mounted flush with the corresponding first edge of each of the first and second portions of the lead support means. 25. Apparatus according to claim 24, comprising one edge.   26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the first edge of the core means is exposed to the atmosphere.   The lead means includes a second edge portion that is mounted flush with a corresponding second edge portion of each of the first portion and the second portion of the lead support means. 27. Apparatus according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that   28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the second edge of the core means is exposed to the atmosphere.   19. A device according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that the core means is arranged in the chemical formulation storage means and is separated from the storage means by a partition.   30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein one or more portions of the core means are in contact with the chemical formulation storage means across the partition to wet the core means with the chemical composition. . An apparatus that allows a chemical formulation to evaporate into the atmosphere, such that it can be removably inserted into a heater unit, the apparatus comprising:
Means for containing the chemical formulation;
A core means for contacting the chemical formulation;
A housing that surrounds a portion of the core means and is adapted to engage the device and hold it in the heater unit, the heater unit comprising the heating means;
A core support means that contacts the core means, the core support means being in proximity to the heating means when the device is inserted into the heater unit;
The core means is wet with the chemical formulation and is indirectly heated by the core support means to evaporate the chemical formulation into the atmosphere through the opening in the housing.
A device characterized by that.   The lead support means includes a first layer made of a first material and a second layer made of a second material, and the second layer is joined to the first layer. 32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein:   33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the housing and storage means are made from a second material and are joined to the second layer in the core support means.   The core means is disposed on the second layer of the core support means, and the storage means is filled with the chemical composition before the storage means and the housing are joined or sealed to the second layer of the core support means. 34. The apparatus of claim 33.   35. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the first material is crystalline PET.   36. The apparatus according to claim 34 or 35, wherein the second material is amorphous PET.   An additional layer made from the second material covers every part of the core means not covered by the housing or storage means, and the additional layer is joined to the second layer. 35. The apparatus of claim 34.   38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the housing has one or more indentations to keep the core means in contact with the core support means.   39. The method of claim 38, wherein when the device is inserted into the heater unit, the first layer is heated by the heating means, and subsequently the second layer and the wet core means are heated. apparatus.   When the apparatus is inserted into the heater unit, an air gap is formed between the first layer and the heating means in the core support means, and the first layer is heated by convection. 40. The apparatus of claim 39.   40. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein when the apparatus is inserted into the heater unit, the first layer is heated in direct contact with the heating means.   40. A device according to claim 39, wherein a step is provided between the storage means and the housing to provide an alternative engagement of the device to the heater unit.   Due to the orientation of the heater unit and the device, the chemical preparation does not directly contact the core means, but the chemical preparation moves along the side of the storage means by capillary action and contacts the storage means. 32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the chemical composition reaches the conducting core means and thereby wets the core means.   44. The device according to claim 43, wherein capillary action is obtained due to the geometric shape of the joint between the lead means and the lead support means. An apparatus that allows a chemical formulation to evaporate into an atmosphere, the apparatus comprising:
A substrate,
Means for containing the chemical formulation;
A core means for contacting the chemical formulation;
A housing surrounding a portion of the core means,
The core means, the housing and the storage means are in contact with the substrate, the core means extending between the housing and the storage means;
The apparatus can be detachably inserted into a heater unit having a heating means, and the substrate is heated by the heating means, and then the core means moistened with the chemical composition is heated. Evaporate the chemical formulation into the atmosphere through the opening in the housing,
A device characterized by that.   46. The device of claim 45, wherein the housing is adapted to engage the device and hold it in the heater unit.   The substrate includes a first layer made of a first material and a second layer made of a second material, and the second layer is bonded to the first layer. 47. The apparatus of claim 46.   48. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein the housing and storage means are made from a second material and are joined to the second layer.   49. The means of claim 48, wherein the core means is disposed in the second layer and the storage means is filled with a chemical formulation prior to joining the storage means and the housing to the second layer in the substrate. apparatus.   50. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the first material is crystalline PET.   51. The apparatus according to claim 49 or 50, wherein the second material is amorphous PET.   An additional layer made from the second material covers every part of the core means not covered by the housing or storage means, and the additional layer is joined to the second layer. 50. The apparatus of claim 49.   53. The apparatus of claim 52, wherein the housing has one or more indentations for maintaining contact of the core means with the substrate.   54. The method of claim 53, wherein when the apparatus is inserted into the heater unit, the first layer is heated by the heating means, and subsequently the second layer and the wet core means are heated. apparatus.   55. An air gap is formed between the first layer and the heating means when the apparatus is inserted into the heater unit, and the first layer is heated by convection. Equipment.   55. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein when the apparatus is inserted into the heater unit, the first layer is heated in direct contact with the heating means.   57. A device according to claim 55 or 56, wherein a step is provided between the storage means and the housing to provide an alternative engagement of the device to the heater unit.   Due to the orientation of the heater unit and the device, the chemical preparation does not directly contact the core means, but the chemical preparation moves along the side of the storage means by capillary action and contacts the storage means. 46. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the chemical formulation reaches the conducting core means and thereby wets the core means.   59. The device according to claim 58, wherein capillary action is obtained due to the geometric shape of the joint between the core means and the substrate. A manufacturing method for making a device that allows a chemical formulation to evaporate into an atmosphere, the manufacturing method comprising:
Forming a substrate comprising a first layer made of a first material;
Forming a storage means for the chemical formulation from the second material;
Forming a housing made of a second material;
Arranging the core means on the substrate;
The storage means and the housing are joined to the substrate, and the core means extends into the storage means, part of which is surrounded by the housing, and is accessible to the chemical formulation.
A method characterized by that. The method further comprises:
Forming a second layer made of a second material on a substrate;
Joining the second layer to the first layer;
61. The method of claim 60, comprising:   62. A method according to claim 61, wherein the step of disposing comprises disposing a core means on the second layer of the substrate.   The method of claim 62, wherein the step of joining comprises joining the storage means and the housing to the second layer.   64. The method of claim 63, wherein the first material is crystalline PET.   The method according to claim 63 or 64, wherein the second material is amorphous PET.   64. The method of claim 63, further comprising forming one or more indentations in the housing to maintain contact of the core means with the substrate.   67. An apparatus that allows a chemical formulation to evaporate into an atmosphere, wherein the apparatus is manufactured by the method of any one of claims 60-66. An apparatus that allows a chemical formulation to evaporate into an atmosphere, the apparatus comprising:
Means for containing the chemical formulation;
A core means for contacting the chemical formulation;
A core support means that is in contact with the core means and provided near the heating means;
If the chemical composition does not directly contact the core means due to the orientation of the heating means, the chemical composition moves along the side of the storage means by capillary action and contacts the storage means. The chemical composition reaches the core means, and moistens the core means;
Indirectly heating the core means by the core support means to evaporate the chemical composition into the atmosphere;
A device characterized by comprising:   69. The device according to claim 68, wherein capillary action is obtained due to the geometry of the joint between the lead means and the lead support means. An apparatus that allows a chemical formulation to evaporate into an atmosphere, the apparatus comprising:
Means for containing the chemical formulation;
A core means for contacting the chemical formulation;
A core support means that is in contact with the core means and provided near the heating means;
The core means extends along the junction between the storage means and the core support means, and the chemical preparation moves along the core means by capillary action and is heated indirectly by the core support means. The chemical composition reaches the area in the core means being conducted and evaporates the chemical composition into the atmosphere regardless of the orientation of the device;
A device characterized by comprising:

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